A NEWPORT woman is warning other local pet owners after her cat was shot in the back leg.

Jenna Lloyd, 25, of Collier Street, discovered her two-year-old black cat Coco had been shot last Sunday when the cat returned home with its leg covered in blood.

It is believed Coco, who is a rescue cat, was shot with an air rifle.

Coco has nowhad to have an operation to fit pins in her leg, which has left Ms Lloyd with a £660 bill.

Ms Lloyd said: “I am really angry about it and just find it so frustrating. It’s not very nice to go through and I just want to warn other pet owners in the area to be aware.”

Ms Lloyd said she had reported the matter to the police and the RSPCA who is now investigating.

Coco is not the only cat in Newport to have been shot with an airgun in recent weeks.

Earlier this month, Hector, a two-year-old ginger cat owned by Jill and Carl Difford in Malpas came home with blood dripping from a wound above his eye.

They took Hector straight to the emergency vet at the Summerhill Veterinary Centre for treatment, where he spent two days.

They saved his life but he is likely to remain blind in one eye.

“After the swelling subsided, a vet found an airgun pellet lodged in his neck,” said Mr Difford.

“The shot had passed from the top of his head, through his eye and face and came to rest in his neck.

“Two of the vets have told us he is very lucky to be alive.”

In addition to the loss of Hector’s eye, the incident cost more than £200 in vet’s fees.

“He was such a lively, friendly cat, but since being shot is quieter and more nervous,” added Mr Difford.

“Hopefully in time he will regain his confidence.”

The Diffords said police were concerned that people were using airguns in a residential area and had promised more patrols in the neighbourhood.